WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins has joined several colleagues in supporting legislation that would ensure that the Bronze Star and Purple Heart rank above the new Distinguished Warfare Medal (DWM) recognizing the actions of those using advanced technology in warfare.
Senator Collins first contacted the Department of Defense on March 5th to share the concerns of Maine veterans with the Department of Defense’s decision to place the DWM in a position of precedence above the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
In a letter to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel Tuesday, Senator Collins explained that while she supports awarding the DWM to those who have earned it, she has serious concerns that it should not supersede the recognition earned by service members who have earned other medals, such as the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for acts of heroism and valor on the battlefield.
“So many of our nation’s service members and veterans have sacrificed their lives or suffered wounds that they live with every day to protect the freedoms we hold dear. I believe strongly that placing the DWM in higher position than the Bronze Star and Purple Heart in the order of precedence unnecessarily diminishes the honor they have earned for having risked their lives for this nation,” Senator Collins wrote in her letter to Secretary Hagel.
The legislation (S. 470) that Senator Collins has cosponsored was introduced by Senator John Tester (D-MT) and is currently being considered by the Senate Armed Services Committee.
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